Current Affairs

All our current affairs groups remain active (thriving, indeed) online.

We have four discussion groups meeting on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Current Affairs 1 discusses multiple topics in each session, whereas Current Affairs 2 focuses on a single topic. News Group discusses reports in the previous week’s newspapers. The Climate Emergency focuses on the important issue of climate change.

Climate Emergency

Leader: Catherine Budgett-Meakin

This group is now well established discussing various aspects of climate change and the environment. Members research specific subjects and present their findings to the group. Guest speakers have included Mike Berners-Lee, author of There is No Planet B; Roger Harrabin, BBC Environment Analyst; and Chris Goodall, author of What We Need to Do Now: Towards a Green New Deal.

  • Online using Zoom
  • When: Thursday 5.00–6.30 pm
  • Frequency: First Thursday of each month
  • Contact Eleanor Levy if interested in joining

Current Affairs 1

Leader: Malcolm Brahams

Photo by Diana Iwi

Between 20 and 25 members meet for an hour’s discussion on topics ranging from the BBC to Covid policy, and from party politics to the future of the UK, as well as the conflict in Ukraine. They also discuss matters of more local interest, such as the future of the Hippodrome, and occasionally indulge in gossip about the Royal Family.

To enliven their activities, a guest is occasionally invited to lead the discussion. The photo shows Labour candidate Sarah Sackman (now MP for Finchley & Golders Green) addressing the group shortly before the 2024 election

  • Where: Elders Vestry, HGS Free Church, North Square, NW11 7AG (please note at Church itself, not the Free Church Hall in Northway)
  • When: Wednesday 12.00 noon – 1.00 pm
  • Frequency: Fortnightly (alternate weeks to Current Affairs 2) starting from 24 April 2024

Current Affairs 2

Leader: Marion Godfrey

A lively group discussion of global events and current topics which touch all of us.

  • Where: Member’s home
  • When: Wednesday 3.30–5.00 pm
  • Frequency: Fortnightly (alternating with Current Affairs 1)

News Group

Leader: Simon Sackman

What the Papers say. Come along and meet other members to discuss reports in the previous week’s newspapers in a relaxed, yet lively, atmosphere. Bring some recent newspaper cuttings that you would like to discuss with the group.

  • Where: Member’s home
  • When: Thursday 10.30 am – 11.30 am
  • Frequency: Fortnightly
  • Number of places: 12